For those embracing a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, the longing for bread can be a significant challenge. This keto-friendly coconut flour mug bread offers a swift and satisfying solution to those bread cravings. Ready in just 90 seconds using a microwave, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make.
Why Coconut Flour?
When baking bread on a keto diet, coconut flour emerges as a star ingredient, especially for those with nut allergies. Compared to almond flour, coconut flour is lower in cost, gluten-free, and boasts a subtle, pleasant coconut flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. Coconut flour is about half the price (0.16 cents an oz) in comparison to almond flour (0.34 cents an oz). Coconut flour is praised for it’s gluten free base with a high fiber content. Moreover, because coconut flour is about 3x more absorbent than almond flour, you use less per recipe. This recipe is a great alternative for people with nut allergies, and it’s rich with flavor.
The 90-Second Miracle: A Quick Recipe
This recipe focuses on speed and convenience, perfect for those moments when you need a quick bread fix.
Ingredients
- Coconut flour
- Baking powder (ensure it's fresh and gluten-free if needed)
- Himalayan salt
- Garlic granules (optional, for savory flavor)
- Parsley (optional, for savory flavor)
- Egg
- Melted butter (or coconut oil/ghee as a substitute)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a microwave-safe mug or small bowl (approximately 3 inches on the bottom and 3.5 inches at the top), combine the coconut flour, baking powder, Himalayan salt, garlic granules, and parsley. Stir until these dry ingredients are mixed well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Crack the egg into the mug and pour in the melted butter.
- Mix: Whisk everything together until smooth.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 90 seconds, or until the bread is firm and fully risen. Note that microwave times may vary slightly depending on your machine. To keep the mixture from rising over the top of the vessel, microwave in two sets of 45 seconds. If you have a more powerful microwave, you might want to try a lower power, such as 70% power for 45 seconds at a time. The bread will puff up while cooking, then slightly deflate. When done, it will look like a muffin. Make sure it appears set, otherwise microwave 10-20 more seconds. That being said, 90 seconds should be enough, and overcooking can dry it up.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a minute, loosen the edges with a knife, and turn the bread onto a plate.
Toasting for Enhanced Flavor
Toasting this 90-second keto bread can significantly improve its texture. To toast the bread, heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a small or medium skillet to medium-low heat. Add the sliced bread. Toasting the bread in a buttered skillet is not mandatory, but it greatly improves its flavor and texture and makes it very similar to real toast.
Customization: Making it Your Own
One of the best things about this mug bread recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Savory Options
For a savory twist, consider adding garlic powder (¼ teaspoon) and shredded cheese (a heaping tablespoon). Rosemary and garlic are other excellent choices.
Sweet Options
For a sweet version, omit the salt and add ¼ teaspoon each of stevia glycerite (or 1 tablespoon of a granulated sweetener), vanilla, and cinnamon. The keto mug cake is a sweet variation of this bread!
Addressing Common Concerns
The "Eggy" Taste
Some people find that keto bread recipes have an "eggy" taste. This is often due to the egg yolks. To remedy this, you can use just an egg white (use 2 tablespoons of carton egg whites) and save the egg yolk for another recipe. This would also result in a bread with less fat and calories and a taste and texture similar to white bread.
Storage
This coconut flour bread, and just about all low carb breads need to be stored in the fridge. Pop this in the fridge for about a week, or into the freezer if you want it to last 1-2 months.
To keep the leftovers, slice each piece of bread crosswise into two slices and allow the slices to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze slices of the completely cooled bread.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Serving Suggestions
90 second bread has a neutral flavor and a spongy texture, perfect for butter, sugar-free honey, or jam, so it works well for a quick, low-carb breakfast. It's also delicious with pimento cheese, crab salad, and salmon salad. It's wonderful with Shakshuka! I like to top my 90 second keto toast with keto strawberry jam, slice it and make a grilled cheese and serve with keto tomato soup, use it as a hamburger buns, or just a plain old sandwich.
Troubleshooting
- Overcooking: Coconut flour can be tricky to work with. The texture of this bread can turn from fluffy to sawdust in a matter of 10 seconds. It’s really important to not overcook the bread.
- Microwave Variations: The 90-second rule works in standard 1000-watt microwaves. But in powerful 1200-watt microwaves, like the one I have in my current house, 70 seconds is enough. The cooking time can also vary depending on how shallow your bowl/ramekin is and on whether you measured the coconut flour accurately. So, it's a good idea to start with 70 seconds.
- Bread Not Rising: The sad truth is that coconut flour bread will not rise. I know it’s unfortunate, but two things are required to make bread rise. You can make a good low carb bread recipe that will rise, but it wouldn’t be gluten free.
Beyond the Mug: Other Keto Bread Options
While this mug bread is incredibly convenient, there are other keto bread options to explore.
- Keto Loaf Bread: For those who prefer a traditional loaf, there are numerous recipes available using coconut flour.
- Keto Hamburger Buns: Now that you’ve made coconut bread low carb it’s time to make hamburger buns keto too!
- Keto Banana Bread: Cut the carbs out of your favorite, moist breakfast bread loaf. We use banana extract to recreate that classic banana bread flavor while keeping it gluten free and low carb.
- Store-Bought Options: Did you know you can buy keto-friendly low carb bread at the grocery store? Yes, l0w carb bread is available for purchase. In short, everyone is raving about it - Aldi’s L’oven Fresh with zero net carbs!
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